Dr Cara Mac Mullin BSc ND

06/16/2025

05/14/2025

👏🏻

Naturopathic medicine is now formally recognized as part of Canada’s evolving primary care landscape.

We’re pleased to share that naturopathic doctors are featured in the newly released Compendium of Roles in Team-Based Primary Care, officially launched in April 2025 by the Canadian Health Workforce Network.

This national publication profiles the wide range of professionals contributing to modern primary care — now including naturopathic doctors and their role in collaborative, patient-centered care.

This achievement reflects the leadership of CCNM faculty and alumni, and the continued collaboration between CCNM, the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and other integrative health partners.

Read the Compendium here:https://www.hhr-rhs.ca/images/PDFs/A%20Compendium%20of%20Roles%20in%20Team-Based%20Primary%20Care%20TPC%20April%202025.pdf

04/21/2025

Registration Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rj1iUXpBT5W2EAMaLmLT9g #/registration

04/05/2025

🌟 Unlocking Potential: Naturopathic Approaches to ADHD Support 🌟

Join Dr. Cara MacMullin, ND, for an insightful webinar exploring evidence-based, individualized strategies for supporting ADHD in children and teens through naturopathic medicine.

🧠 Learn how nutrition, epigenetics, and digestive health play a role in ADHD and how personalized approaches can help individuals thrive. ADHD isn’t something to “fix”—it’s a unique way of processing the world, with both challenges and strengths.

📌 Whether managing ADHD with or without medication, Dr. MacMullin will provide tools to help unlock your child’s full potential!

📅 Date: Thursday, April 24th
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
💻 Where: Zoom

🔗 Registration is required— Link is in our bio

12/20/2024

Chronic Gut Virus May Play a Role in Alzheimer’s Development

New research has linked chronic intestinal infections from cytomegalovirus (HCMV) to a specific subtype of Alzheimer’s disease.

The virus may travel from the gut to the brain through the vagus nerve, triggering immune responses and contributing to hallmark Alzheimer’s changes like amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

Researchers identified HCMV in the brain, vagus nerve, and intestines of Alzheimer’s patients, connecting it to unique immune activity in the brain.

11/21/2024

Stimulating the Vagus Nerve to Tackle Gut Inflammation in IBD

A recent study has demonstrated that stimulating the vagus nerve can reduce gut inflammation linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by regulating a cellular process called SUMOylation.

Researchers found that in stressed mice with colitis, vagus nerve stimulation alleviated symptoms, reduced inflammation, and improved survival.

This approach activates the parasympathetic nervous system, mitigating the harmful immune responses that worsen IBD.

Targeting SUMOylation, either through nerve stimulation or inhibitors, shows potential for therapies focusing on controlling inflammation rather than just managing symptoms.

The study highlights how stress exacerbates IBD and underscores the vagus nerve’s key role in restoring balance.

This research opens new doors for non-invasive treatments for millions affected by ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

https://neurosciencenews.com/vagus-nerve-stimulation-inflammation-ibd-28099/

11/14/2024

Study Revolutionize Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment

Researchers issued updated guidelines for treating restless legs syndrome (RLS), reflecting advancements in research over the past decade.

Iron supplementation is now a primary focus, addressing low brain iron as a key contributor to RLS.

Dopamine agonists, once standard, are no longer recommended due to risks of symptom worsening over time.

11/07/2024

❤️

Celebrating 4 Years with Dr. Cara MacMullin!

Today marks Dr. Cara MacMullin’s 4th anniversary with PCNM! She’s a powerhouse of dedication and compassion—devoted to her patients, her family, and our team. We’re so lucky to have such an incredible woman on board who truly inspires us every day. Here’s to many more amazing years ahead🌟

10/24/2024

Removing Pre-Bed Screen Time Improves Toddler Sleep

A groundbreaking trial shows that eliminating screen time in the hour before bed improves toddler sleep quality.

In the study, 105 families were asked to remove screens before bed and engage their toddlers in calming activities like reading or playing puzzles instead.

The results showed improved sleep efficiency and fewer night awakenings in toddlers who participated in the intervention.

The study is the first randomized controlled trial to confirm the link between reduced screen time and better sleep in toddlers.

Parents found the intervention easy to implement, with all families successfully completing the 7-week trial.

These findings support pediatric guidelines that recommend limiting screen time before bed to promote healthier sleep.

https://neurosciencenews.com/screen-time-sleep-toddlers-27921/

10/21/2024

Vitamin D Deficiency in Childhood Linked to Higher Autoimmune Risk

A recent study has found that vitamin D deficiency during childhood accelerates the aging of the thymus, an organ essential for developing a healthy immune system.

The thymus helps train immune cells to distinguish between the body’s own tissues and harmful invaders, but when it ages prematurely due to a lack of vitamin D, it becomes less effective.

This increases the risk of autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, as the immune system may mistakenly attack healthy tissues.

10/03/2024

09/04/2024

It is likely that many of you have already seen the U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents. In case you haven't or only have a moment, let me highlight a few points for you.

Time spent weekly on primary child care has increased by 40%
among mothers from 1985 to 2022, and by 154% among fathers.

Children’s Health, including mental health challenges, intellectual
and developmental disabilities, and acute or chronic illnesses, can add to parental stress levels. (Neurodivergence and LD included)

Twice as many parents and caregivers of children with special health care needs reported “fair or poor mental health” compared to parents and caregivers of children without special health care needs (14% vs. 6%, respectively).

Parents struggle with loneliness at higher rates than non-parents.

Cultural expectations, societal norms, and pressure to meet perceived parenting standards can contribute to parental stress.

Changes needed for a fundamental shift.

1. Value and respect time spent parenting
2. Embrace raising children as a collective responsibility
3. Talk about the stress and struggles that come with parenting
4. Foster a culture of connection among parents to combat
loneliness and isolation

https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/parents/index.html